2014 Mazda6 Diesel Confirmed For U.S., Will Also Race In Grand-Am

At this week’s 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda finally confirmed that its redesigned 2014 Mazda6 will be offered with a diesel engine.

The new Mazda6 goes on sale in January, initially with just a SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter gas engine. The diesel will arrive in the second half of 2013.

The particular diesel engine will be a SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter four-cylinder. Specifications of the unit are yet to be finalized, though on overseas models this engine can deliver between 148 and 173 horsepower and between 280 and 310 pound-feet of torque.

Transmission choices will include either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Final specifications for all 2014 Mazda6 models will be available closer to their respective sales launches next year.

Mazda has also confirmed that a unique racing version of the 2014 Mazda6 will make its motorsports debut at the Rolex 24 endurance race on January 26 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Mazda6 race car, previewed above, will be powered by a racing version of the SkyActiv-D diesel engine and will compete in the newly created Grand-Am GX class.

This will be the first time a diesel-powered vehicle of any type has ever raced at the Rolex 24. Mazda will be seeking their 24th class win in the American endurance classic, having most recently won in 2008 and 2010.

Next year, Mazda will also supply its racing diesel to teams competing in Le Mans endurance racing. The first customer will be Dempsey Racing, headed by actor Patrick Dempsey, who earlier announced his team will campaign a Lola coupe at Le Mans.